"Freedom Bound", Play about Underground Railroad, on Stage Feb. 4

A scene from the play "Freedom Bound," a production by the Mad River Theater Works. Contact:Gwen O’Brien Director of Media Relations Saint Mary's College (574) 284-4579

January 18, 2012 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Shaheen/Duggan Performing Arts Series and the Office of Special Events at Saint Mary's College proudly announce the Mad River Theater Works production of Freedom Bound, to be held on Saturday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Laughlin Auditorium.

Freedom Bound is a musical play that transports the audience to pre-Civil war America and follows a slave, Addison White, as he escapes from slavery and embarks on a journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad. While in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, White befriends a white farmer by the name of Udney Hyde, who provides White with work and a place to stay. White’s owner discovers his whereabouts and demands his return. Freedom Bound illustrates the Underground Railroad participants’ willingness and persistence to fight and protect people who were in a situation of humanistic violation.

Richard Baxter, director of Special Events at Saint Mary’s College explained why he chose to bring the production to campus. “I wanted to bring in a production to help us appreciate the Underground Railroad and its significance to our Northern Indiana region. I had heard of the Mad River Theater Works Group, their Ohio connections and the powerful music they included in their productions and I felt it was time to bring them Saint Mary’s. Theatre has the power to bring history to life, especially for our younger audiences. This should be an outstanding opportunity to celebrate our history, enjoy some music and experience the hope that our ancestors brought to people in their time of need."

Freedom Bound is educational, family appropriate, and brings to light the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011-2015).

Tickets can be purchased at moreaucenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (574) 284-4626.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” for 2012 published by U.S.News and World Report. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.